Energy Efficient Lighting
by David Nelson, AIA
David Nelson & Associates
Last updated: 11-23-2009
Within This Page
.. Introduction
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.. Description
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.. Application
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.. Relevant
lz#rcas> Codes and Standards
.. Additional
lz#ar> Resources
Introduction
Besides affecting the physical
and emotional
well-being of the building occupants, a building's interior lighting system
is both a dominant consumer of electrical energy and a major source of
internal heat. In the United States about one-quarter of the electricity
budget is spent on lighting, or more than $37 billion annually. In
commercial buildings it normally accounts for more than 30% of the total
electrical energy consumed. Yet much of this expense can be avoided.
Specifying a high quality energy efficient lighting system that utilizes
both natural and electric
sources as well as lighting controls
can provide a
comfortable yet visually interesting environment for the occupants of a
space. Recently developed energy efficient lighting equipment such as
compact fluorescent lamps and "soft-start" electronic ballasts can be used
to help cut lighting operational costs 30% to 60% while enhancing lighting
quality, reducing environmental impacts
, and promoting health and
work productivity.
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Description
To achieve a quality lighting environment, carefully choose the equipment to
satisfy both performance
and aesthetics needs. Lighting
equipment selection should be based on a balance between the requirements of
the design and an effort to limit the number of fixture types and lamp types
in order to have reasonable
maintenance inventories. Lamp selection is based on efficacy (lumens per
watt), color temperature, color rendering index, life and lumen maintenance,
availability, switching, dimming capability, and cost. For example, many T8
and T5 linear fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps are excellent
choices for today's buildings because they are energy efficient, have great
color rendering properties, long life, and are readily available, easily
controllable and very affordable. High frequency electronic ballasts are
also important to visual performance because they reduce eyestrain and
fatigue. Frequencies in the 20 kHz range and higher provide smooth,
non-flickering lamp operation. Electronic ballasts are also responsible for
better lamp performance, extending life and improving color characteristics.
Luminaires are selected for their lighting effectiveness. This includes
distribution characteristics, efficiency, quality of construction,
aesthetics, and economics.
A. Energy Efficient Lamps Commonly Used Today
Energy efficient, fluorescent lamps
Energy efficient, fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent Lamps
Fluorescent Lamps are about 3 to 5 times as efficient as standard
incandescent lamps and can last about 10 to 20 times longer. To gain the
most efficiency, use current and proven equipment technology and install
fluorescent luminaires in places where they can be integrated with the
architecture , available
daylight , and switching or
dimming controls.
* Linear fluorescent lamps T5HO lamps are now used in many high bay
applications in place of H.I.D. lamps. These smaller diameter lamps have
replaced the T12 lamps that have dominated the market for the past 30 years.
These new lamps work well in luminaires that provide the general ambient
lighting for a space. The long and diffuse nature of these lamps provides
excellent surface lighting, and the smaller lamp diameters make for better
optical performance in many luminaires. Indirect/direct linear fluorescent
pendants and wall-mounted uplights are typical applications for these
sources. Care must be taken to minimize direct views of extremely bright
small-diameter lamps such as T5 and T5HO.
* Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are often used as simple substitutes
for incandescent lamps due to their significantly longer life and better
energy efficiency. Self-ballasted, "screw-in" retrofit CFL lamps are
sometimes used in the energy saving retrofit market. Also, retrofit lamps
cannot be dimmed. However, the performance of screw-in lamps is usually not
as good as the separate lamp and ballast combination. Due to their small
size, CFL lamps are used in recessed luminaires, wall and ceiling mounted
fixtures, and even track lighting and task lighting. The diffuse nature of
the fluorescent lamp makes the CFL lamp a good choice for downlighting and
wall lighting (also referred to as "wall washing").
* Low mercury fluorescent lamps can be disposed of in landfills in
some states. In these states, lamps that have sufficiently low levels must
pass the testing procedure known as the Toxic Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) test (see EPA
SW-846, "Test Methods
for Evaluating Solid Waste (Physical/Chemical Methods)", Chapter 7,
"Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure," Section 7.4, page seven-2).
However, many states have legislation pending that would not allow the
disposal of any product containing mercury in a landfill. Specifying a low
mercury product and then recycling that lamp at the end of its life offers
the best environmental solution to disposal of mercury-containing lamps.
There are many parts to a standard fluorescent lamp that can be recycled,
including the glass, metal, mercury, and phosphor.
* Inductive fluorescent lamps are white light sources with very good
color rendering and color temperature properties. These lamps are energy
efficient and offer extremely long life (over 100,000 hours), good lumen
maintenance characteristics, and instant-on capability. The lamp enclosure
is called a "vessel" and (shapes vary) coated on the inside with phosphor.
Dimming is already available in Europe and will be available in the near
future in the United States. They are powered by a small generator (about
the size of a fluorescent ballast) attached to the lamp via a short
fixed-length cable. The generator induces a current in the lamp which causes
it to glow-there are no electrodes to wear out. The larger, diffuse nature
of these sources makes them excellent for lighting larger volumes and
surfaces. They are often used in place of low- to medium-wattage high
intensity discharge sources because of the instant-on capability and reduced
maintenance associated with the longer lamp life. This lamp source has
promising application for indoor and outdoor lighting applications.
Fluorescent Lamp Links, Additional Educational Materials
Advanced Lighting Guidelines (ALG)
Federal Energy Management Program
(FEMP)
New Buildings Institute, Inc.
* Linear and compact fluorescent lamp catalogs:
* General Electric Linear Fluorescent Lamps
RODUCTLINE=Lamps_Linear%20Fluorescent&CHANNEL=Commercial>
* General Electric Compact Fluorescent Lamps
RODUCTLINE=Lamps_Compact%20Fluorescent&CHANNEL=Commercial>
* Osram Sylvania Fluorescent Technology
* Philips Fluorescent Lamps
* Low-mercury fluorescent lamp information:
* General Electric Environmental Products (Ecolux
ental/ecolux.htm> R)
* Osram Sylvania Reduced Mercury ECOLOGIC
R Lamps
* Philips Alto
R Lamp
Technology
* Induction lamp information:
* Osram Sylvania ICETRON
Fluorescent/Icetron/> R Inductively-Coupled Electrodeless Systems
* Philips QL Induction Lighting Systems
* Additional educational materials:
* Lighting Research
Center publications, School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute:
* T8 Fluorescent Lamps and Lighting Answers: T5FT Lamps and Ballasts,
NLPIP Lighting Answers.
* Screwbase Compact Fluorescent Lamps, NLPIP Specifier Reports, Vol.
7, No. 1, June 1999.
* CFL Downlights, NLPIP Specifier Reports, Vol. 3, No. 2, August 1995.
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps (HID)
Different HID metal halide lamps
Different HID metal halide lamps.
Photo courtesy of sea-of-green.com .
High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are still one of the best performing
and most efficient lamps for lighting large areas or great distances. Metal
halide (white light) lamps are replacing high pressure sodium lamps in many
outdoor applications because white light sources can be 2 to 30 times more
effective in peripheral visual detection than yellow-orange sources like
high pressure sodium. Pulse initiated, or "pulse-start" metal halide lamps
provide better color stability and longer life than previous technologies.
PAR metal halide lamps with ceramic arc-tube enclosures are commonly used
for accent lighting and highlighting in large spaces, and are now commonly
used in retail applications. The small size of the metal halide arc-tube
allows for excellent optical control. However, the extreme brightness of the
metal halide lamp requires careful shielding and design.
Typically, HID lamps do not work well with occupancy sensors
because most HID lamps
take a long time to start each time they are switched off. Some HID lamps
(called "hot restrike") are special in that they can be restarted
immediately after being turned off, but if they are allowed to cool down,
they will take about 15 minutes to warm up just like regular lamps. Special
ballasts are available that allow the lights to be step-dimmed to 50% (or
another level)-these ballasts could be used with occupancy sensors (the
lights would be automatically dimmed to a set level when the room is
unoccupied).
HID Lamp Links
* HID lamp information:
* General Electric HID Lamps
RODUCTLINE=Lamps_High%20Intensity%20Discharge&CHANNEL=Commercial>
* Osram Sylvania HID Technology
* Philips HID Lamps
* Additional educational materials:
* Lighting Research
Center publications, School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
* HID Accent Lighting Systems, NLPIP Specifier Reports, Vol. 4, No. 2,
October 1996.
Incandescent Lamps
Incandescent lamps are still used for accent and specialty lighting, where
the warm color, controlled brightness, instant-on, and dimming capabilities
of these sources is needed. Incandescent lamps can provide a "sparkle" that
is not characteristic of more diffuse fluorescent sources. PAR and
low-voltage lamps can provide good beam control, and if dimmed, can also
provide a reasonable lamp life. 130V-rated incandescent lamps are also
available which will last longer than their 120V counterparts when operated
at 120V (with only slightly reduced light output for the same wattage
rating). However, because of their lower energy efficiency and shorter lamp
life, incandescent lamps should be used carefully for lighting of specific
features. Some of the most effective lighting designs balance a small
quantity of incandescent accent lighting with a fluorescent ambient
(general) lighting system.
LED Lamps
LED lamps are the newest addition to the list of energy efficient light
sources. While LED lamps emit visible light in a very narrow spectral band,
they can produce "white light". This is accomplished with either a
red-blue-green array or a phosphor-coated blue LED lamp. LED lamps last
40,000 to 100,000 hours depending on color. The current challenges of the
LED source are a poor Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 65 or lower and poor
efficacy, often less than 30 lumens per watt. LED lamps have made their way
into numerous lighting applications including exit signs, traffic signals,
under-cabinet lights, and various decorative applications. Though still in
their infancy, LED lamp technologies are rapidly progressing and show
promise for the future. For more information on LED lighting and other solid
state lighting technologies visit the Department of Energy Solid State
Lighting Web site .
LED light strips for under-cabinet lighting, for cove lighting, for shelf
and cabinet interior lighting, and for edge lighting.
LED light strips for under-cabinet lighting, for cove lighting, for shelf
and cabinet interior lighting, and for edge lighting.
Photo courtesy of The LEDLight.com
LED Lamp Links
* LED lamp information:
* Lumileds
* Osram Sylvania LED Lamp Modules
ms/SpecialtySystems/>
* The LEDLight.com
* Philips Solid State Lighting
fit/index.php?main=us_en&parent=0&id=us_en_application_solutions&>
* Cree LED Lighting
B. Energy-Efficient Ballasts
Fluorescent Ballasts
* Rapid start ballasts are the most common type of fluorescent
ballast. These ballasts offer a long lamp life at a reasonable cost. They
have been used for years with lighting controls to provide energy savings.
* Instant start ballasts are usually the least expensive ballasts on
the market. The efficiency of instant start ballasts is higher than rapid
start ballasts, but lamp life is shorter, especially when the frequency of
starts is increased due to the use of controls. They are often used where
energy savings is the primary goal and lights are on continuously for very
long periods of time. One advantage of the instant start ballast is that the
lamps are wired in parallel, so that when one lamp on a multi-lamp ballast
burns out, the others remain illuminated.
* Program rapid start ballasts are some of the best to use for energy
efficiency and long lamp life. These ballasts are slightly more expensive
than standard rapid start ballasts, but use a "gentler" starting method so
that frequent starting lessens the reduction in rated lamp life. These
ballasts are recommended for smaller diameter fluorescent lamps and compact
fluorescent lamps. With the right lighting controls scheme, program start
ballasts can provide significant energy savings.
* Dimming electronic ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps usually
fall into two categories. The first type has a dimming range of 5% or 10% up
to 100% light output and is generally the least expensive. This ballast is
commonly used when the lowest light levels are not needed, or to achieve
energy savings by dimming the lights when there is plentiful daylight. The
second type of ballast, often referred to as an "architectural dimming
ballast," is more expensive and has a dimming range of 1% to 100% light
output. This ballast is used in situations where lower light levels are
desired.
Electronic High-Intensity Discharge Ballasts
Electronic high-intensity discharge ballasts (HID) for metal halide lamps
are now available for most lamps up to 150 watts. These ballasts should
improve lamp performance and offer a limited range of dimming to achieve
some energy savings.
Additional Ballast Information
* Ballast manufacturers:
* AC Electronics Compact Electronics
(fluorescent ballasts)
* Advance Transformer
Company (dimming/non-dimming fluorescent and HID ballasts)
* Hatch Transformers, Inc.
* Lutron Electronics Co, Inc.
(fluorescent dimming ballasts)
* Osram Sylvania Ballast Division
sts/>
* Panasonic
Electric Works Corporation of America (metal halide electronic ballasts)
* Additional educational materials:
* Lighting Research
Center publications, School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
* Electronic Ballasts, NLPIP Specifier Reports, Vol. 8, No. 1, May
2000.
* Dimming Electronic Ballasts, NLPIP Specifier Reports, Vol. 7, No. 3,
October 1999.
C. Luminaires
Energy efficient luminaries with daylight dimming and occupancy sensors in
office spaces at GSA Central Office.
Energy efficient luminaries with daylight dimming and occupancy sensors in
office spaces at GSA Central Office.
A luminaire, or light fixture, is a unit consisting of one or more of the
following components:
* lamp(s) and lamp socket(s)
* ballast(s)
* reflective material
* lenses, refractors, louvers, blades, or other shielding.
An efficient luminaire optimizes the system performance of each of its
components. There are a few types of luminaires that offer opportunities for
energy conservation in a lighting system design. Many of these provide
indirect light to brighten the ceiling or are designed to brighten walls or
task surfaces. Most of them are fluorescent and are easily controlled for
further energy savings. Some examples are shown in the table below.
Type of Fluorescent Luminaire
Description
Benefits
Cautions
Applications
Indirect/Direct Linear Luminaire
Primarily indirect, pendant or wall mounted, T8, T5 or T5HO lamping
Soft, even illumination, good visual comfort, easily dimmed
Choose spacing for good ceiling brightness uniformity
High and low bay areas and classrooms
Indirect/Direct Decorative Luminaire
Typically compact fluorescent or induction lamping
Significant energy savings, performance comparable to incandescent
Select diffuser for good brightness uniformity on glowing elements
Small offices , lobbies
, waiting areas, atriums
, and corridors
Linear Strip Luminaire
Surface mounted or pendant mounted with or without side reflectors,
typically T8 lamping
Energy-efficient, small size, low-cost, easily dimmed
Best when concealed
In coves or wall slots, on top of cabinets, stacks or lockers, and
mechanical rooms
Task Luminaire
Linear wall mounted "under shelf" or "arm type"
Task lighting allows for lower ambient lighting levels
Provide appropriate task/ambient contrast ratios
Any task surface (desks, counters, workbenches, etc.)
Indirect Recessed Luminaire
Recessed (light is directed up toward top of housing and reflected back
down), typically 2' x 2' or 2' x 4', T8 or CFL biax lamping
Optimized for fewer lamps than typical recessed lensed troffer luminaires,
good visual comfort
Does not brighten ceiling, consider minor supplemental lighting (such as
wall sconces)
Corridors, open/private offices
(can replace standard troffer in many applications)
Recessed Wall Washer
Linear or round can-type, Linear or CFL lamping
Significant energy savings, performance better than incandescent
Best when paired or in groups, choose spacings carefully
Select wall surfaces in many room types
Recessed Downlight
Round can-type, CFL lamping
Significant energy savings, performance comparable to incandescent
Does not brighten the ceiling, can create light "scallop" on walls
Localized infill lighting, often combined with other luminaire types
Wall Sconces
Wall mounted, decorative, CFL lamping
Significant energy savings, performance comparable to incandescent
Select diffuser for good brightness uniformity on glowing elements
Lobbies , corridors, conference rooms
, etc.
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Application
Energy efficient lighting can be installed in new construction,
modernization, and repair and alternation projects. It is applicable to all
building types and space types, particularly educational
facilities, office
buildings, health
facilities, research
facilities, warehouses
, libraries
, and courthouses
.
There are several programs in place to provide design guidelines and
recognition for energy-efficient buildings. Many of these are
government-supported.
.. Energy StarR Program: This program,
supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages
energy-efficiency in new and existing commercial buildings. Participants,
which in the past have included schools, retail and hospitality
establishments, and industry and government facilities, are provided with
guidance and support.
.. The Federal Energy Management
Program (FEMP): FEMP promotes the conservation of energy and water, and the
use of renewable energy sources by government agencies. FEMP is motivated in
part by the January 24, 2007 Executive Order 13423,
"Strengthening Federal
Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management" which calls for
significant and quantified energy reductions in government energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. FEMP has established and
encouraged industry partnerships, incentive programs, and educational
opportunities which benefit the private sector as well.
.. U.S. Green Building Council Leadership
in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEEDR) Building Rating System: LEEDR provides
developers and designers with guidelines and a checklist-type method for
achieving high standards in sustainable building design. The system can also
be used for calculating or improving the rating of an existing building.
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Relevant Codes and Standards
.. 10 CFR
434-Energy
Code for New Federal Commercial and Multi-Family High Rise Residential
Energy Performance Standards
.. ASHRAE/IESNA
Standard
90.1-Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
.. Energy Policy Act of
2005 (PDF 1.9 MB, 550 pgs)
.. Executive Order
13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation
Management"
.. Executive
Order 13423, Technical Guidance
.. Federal
Lighting Guide
.. IESNA
Lighting Handbook
.. IESNA
Recommended Practice RP-1, Office Lighting
.. IESNA
Recommended Practice RP-16, Nomenclature and Definitions for Illumination
Engineering
.. UFC 3-530-01 Design:
Interior and Exterior
Lighting and Controls
.. UFGS 26 51 00 Interior
Lighting
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Additional Resources
WBDG
Building / Space Types
Applicable and relevant to all building types
and space types
.
Design Objectives
Aesthetics , Cost-Effective
, Functional / Operational
, Historic
Preservation-Update
Building Systems Appropriately, Productive
-Provide Comfortable
Environments, Secure / Safe ,
Sustainable -Optimize
Energy Use, Sustainable -Enhance Indoor
Environmental Quality, Sustainable
-Optimize Operational and
Maintenance Practices
Products and Systems
Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers:
.. 26 50 00 (16500)
Lighting
Project Management
Building Commissioning,
Project Planning and
Development, Project Delivery and
Controls
Federal Programs and Services
.. Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia
(DSCP)-Manages all
energy-efficient lighting products for the entire Federal Government. Phone:
(800) DLA-BULB
.. Energy StarR Program
.. FEMP Energy-Efficient Products, Energy Efficiency Requirements,
Lighting Technologies-Contains recommendations on lighting technologies,
including fluorescent luminaires, and selecting lighting controls for
offices and public buildings
.. GSA Federal Supply Service's Environmental Products and
ntentId=25421> Services Guide
.. Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory-Lighting Research Group
Organizations/Associations
.. Federal Energy Management
Program (FEMP)
.. Heschong Mahone Group, Inc.
.. Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America (IESNA)
.. IESNA Lighting Handbook
,
9th Edition, Chapter 10, Quality of the Visual Environment (QVE)
.. International Association of
Energy-Efficient Lighting (IAEEL)
.. International Association of Lighting
Designers (IALD)
.. Light Right Consortium
.. National Lighting Bureau "High-Benefit
Lighting"
.. New Buildings Institute, Inc.
Products Manufacturers and Suppliers
.. Columbia Lighting
.. Cooper Lighting
.. GE Lighting
.. Hubbell Inc.
.. Lithonia Lighting
.. Osram Sylvania
.. Philips Lighting
.. Progress Lighting
.. Thomas Lighting
.. Venture Lighting International,
Inc.
Publications
.. Architectural Graphic Standards (AGS), 11th Edition by John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.: The American Institute of Architects, March 2007.
.. Advanced Lighting Guidelines (ALG)
.. The Architect's Guide to
Energy Conserving Products and Systems
.. E Source Emerging Technology Series
(available with membership
only)
.. "Practical Control Strategies for Harvesting Daylight Savings"
ER-00-6
.. Public
Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program-Technical briefs available free of
charge made possible by California Energy Commission's PIER program.
.. PIER-TB-1
Classroom
Lighting
.. PIER-TB-5 Up with CFL Downlights
.. PIER-TB-9 Hybrid Lighting Fixtures
.. TI 811-16 Lighting Design
Others
.. Lighting Research Center (LRC), School
of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
.. National Lighting
Products Information Program


